Case Study: North-West College achieves high graduation and job-placement rates and expands access for non-traditional students with Wonderlic

North-West College - Customer Case Study

North-West College in Pasadena, CA, operates four campuses and serves over 30,000 students with short-term medical and business programs aimed at non-traditional learners. Their challenge was assessing applicants’ readiness—including those without a high school diploma or GED—and meeting federal Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) requirements to award financial aid while matching students to appropriate career tracks.

North-West uses Wonderlic assessments—the WBST to qualify ATB applicants and the SLE for diploma/GED holders—to place students, inform advising, and allow up to three retakes. After 18 years with Wonderlic, about 75% of WBST applicants qualify for admission; overall graduation rates exceed 80% and 75% of graduates secure jobs, underscoring the tests’ central role in the college’s success.

North-West College

Mitchell Fuerst

Corporate Vice President